Sougwen Chung

Ilinx (Mytheme, Étude Op. 4, No. 4)

Sougwen Chung's artwork Ilinx is part of her series Mytheme (Étude Op. 4) and one of four works. The series explores the expressiveness of the abstract form by transcribing the concept of mytheme - the constant unchanging element forming a mythical narrative’s kernel - into a visual exploration. In order to do so, Chung records gestures with paint which she then manipulates digitally, achieving a sense of transformation and dimensionality; without, however, altering the core forms or colours dictating the abstract composition.
Ilinx mimics the concept of mytheme by letting its title speak for itself: “Ilinx is a kind of play described by the sociologist Roger Caillois as a major figure in game studies. Ilinx creates a temporary disruption of perception, as with vertigo, dizziness, or disorientation in direction of movement.” Caillois links ilinx to other ancient Greek categories dictating play-writing like agon, alea and mimesis (or mimicry). Hence, Chung closes the thematic circle that makes up her series Mytheme (Étude Op. 4).
A score composed of textural soundscapes of improvisational violin and granular synthesis methods accompanies the works in this collection. Violin compositions were performed by Chung in collaboration with musician Praveen Sharma.
Sougwen Chung lives and works in New York.